Current Affairs - International

Singapore's Changi Airport was ranked as the World’s Best Airport in the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2025, held in Madrid. This marks the 13th time it has earned the top spot, showcasing its consistent excellence in passenger experience, innovation, and infrastructure. Changi Airport also received awards for Best Airport Dining, Best Airport Washrooms, and Best Airport in Asia. Renowned for its unique features like the Jewel shopping mall, the world’s largest indoor waterfall, cinemas, gardens, and museums, Changi continues to set global benchmarks for airport design and customer service, affirming Singapore’s leadership in international aviation.

Mauritius has become the first African nation to sign the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), highlighting its commitment to advancing solar energy initiatives. This strategic framework is designed to promote long- and medium-term collaboration between ISA and its member countries, focusing on clean energy deployment and sustainable development. Mauritius is also the fourth country globally to adopt this framework, following Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Cuba. By participating in the CPF, Mauritius aims to strengthen its solar infrastructure and set a benchmark for other African nations in renewable energy progress.

Chile signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with India to strengthen cooperation in innovation and entrepreneurship. These agreements particularly focus on emerging sectors such as biotechnology, climate technology, health technology, and education technology (edtech). The collaboration aims to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, organize joint innovation events, and connect start-up ecosystems across both countries. Chilean President Gabriel Boric's official visit to India included interactions with the local technology community and educational institutions, marking a significant step toward enhancing bilateral ties through innovation-driven initiatives.

Russia has formally invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the Victory Day celebrations scheduled for May 9, which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of its triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II. The event is of great historical and diplomatic significance, highlighting Russia’s recognition of its international allies and fostering global partnerships. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko confirmed the invitation, underlining the ongoing diplomatic engagement between Moscow and New Delhi. The potential visit signals a continued strategic relationship and high-level political dialogue between the two nations amidst evolving global dynamics.

The Digital Threat Report 2024 was launched to enhance cybersecurity measures specifically in the BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sector. India spearheaded this initiative to identify existing security gaps and emerging cyber risks in the financial domain. The report advocates for a unified cybersecurity framework and increased collaboration among BFSI institutions to manage threats effectively. By providing a strategic guide to navigate the growing complexity of cyber threats, the report equips financial institutions with the tools needed to build stronger resilience and secure their digital infrastructure against evolving challenges.